Shark Iq Robot Vs Roomba I8+

Later on finishing the Shark IQ car empty review, I thought it’d be proper to compare it to its main competitors, the Roomba I7+ and
Roomba S9+.

Shark’s IQ series is the pioneer of budget self-emptying robots and continues to be one of the least expensive alternatives to this engagement.

I’ve spent many hours testing these products, comparison various aspects from navigation, cleaning to its app features to determine which is the best for your needs.

A quick glance at the Shark IQ, Roomba I7+, and
Roomba S9+

I’ve enumerated the specs of each variant in this section to give you a bird’s middle view of the functionality of each.

Please notation that I used the spec/examination results of the Roomba I6 for the I7 below. Both options utilise the same motor, battery, and extractors, and then results should be very close.

Introduction to the Shark IQ, Roomba I7+, and
Roomba S9+

These three auto empty robot vacuums are the pioneers of this sub-niche, with the I7 being the first.

Shortly after its release came the flagship S9+, the best performing robot vacuum I’ve tested.

While both of these variants offer excellent cleaning operation, each option is costly.

The Shark IQ aims to address the price concern past offer a cheaper alternative to these expensive Roombas.

Only the question is, can information technology make clean and navigate also every bit a Roomba? I’ve tested these robots extensively and volition respond the question in the different sections beneath. We’ll wait at the similarities and differences.

Least Expensive Option: Shark IQ Self Empty

Consumers should thank Shark for the IQ – it was their
first production with smart and a self-emptying characteristic
that was new at the time.

But the first-generation Shark IQ robots
had one fatal flaw
– the lack of an optical sensor underneath.

The issue is it wasn’t able to create the map despite many runs. I’ve seen reviews both on YouTube and online stores, and it was consistent.

Enter the 2nd-generation variants that addressed this issue past calculation the optical sensor, which eliminated this problem.

Along with this flooring sensor, it has a acme-mounted camera with a host of bumper and drop sensors to assistance it rails and avoid obstacles.

This combo of sensors enables the IQ to move in direct lines in the dock’s management.

Having VSLAM also unlocks other advanced features like recharge and resume, selective room cleaning, evacuate and resume, map saving, and more.

Underneath, information technology has a unmarried-pronged side brush with the slowest rotation I’ve seen from a robot. It helps the IQ robot clean more efficiently since it doesn’t besprinkle every bit much clay.

But the slower-than-usual rotation hinders its performances at the edges.

The primary brush is unlike whatsoever other combo brush I’ve seen as it integrates fins all around, similar to the Vertex Cordless roller.

While navigation is efficient, the IQ lacks thoroughness, even with the extended run feature enabled.

I didn’t notice any difference betwixt the default cycle and extended run, as information technology took the same time to finish both runs.

Based on my tests, cleaning performance is about at par with the Roomba I7 (or I6+) but lags at deep cleaning sand.

It’due south a good budget alternative if you don’t want to spend on bags and don’t listen the allergen exposure during dirt disposal.

Mid Level Option: Roomba I7+

The Roomba I7+ is iRobot’s mid-priced cocky-empty robot option between the entry-level I3+ and top-stop S9+.

One
difference between the I3 and I7 is navigation. The latter has the summit-mounted camera and SLAM, unlocking features like map saving, zoned cleaning, and adding keep-out zones.

It isn’t as powerful as the high-cease S9+
with simply 8.ii CFM, which is at the aforementioned level every bit other lower-end Roombas –
675,
690, and
E5.

All the same, don’t look it to clean as well as the S9 because of this low airflow, merely it’s nevertheless decent.

Aside from the low airflow, its side brush spins rapidly, scattering debris around.

Simply the first-class agitation makes up for the lack of ability, and then it does well for a low airflow robot on carpeting – yes, fifty-fifty on embedded sand.

Navigation is similar to the S9, moving in what iRobot terms “neat rows” or straight lines.

Nonetheless, efficiency isn’t its strong point, taking over 28 minutes to complete a two-pass run.

If you don’t desire to spend a premium on an S9, then have a look at the less expensive Roomba I7 or I6.

Best Cleaning Performance:
Roomba S9+

I’ve tested many robot vacuums, and none of them cleans similar the

Roomba S9+.

The rare combination of loftier airflow, wide rollers, and a square forepart makes information technology the most efficient option per pass.

Sure it isn’t every bit wide equally the Neato Botvac, just the foursquare-front end and its patented rubber extractors brand up for it, giving it all-time-in-class functioning.

Information technology has the same navigation equally the Roomba I7, only for some strange reason – less efficient.

If your top priority is cleaning functioning and you
do not mind paying the premium, the S9 is the best option available.

Similarities between the Shark IQ, Roomba I7+, and
Roomba S9+

1. Navigation

All three robots apply the same combo: a top-mounted camera, gyroscopes, and floor sensors for navigation with VSLAM.

Each will navigate in direct lines, but one difference is Roomba has dynamic navigation where information technology’ll discover the most efficient path, while Shark goes in the direction of the self-empty dock.

2. Self-Elimination

These robots
have an auto-empty base station
where a second vacuum empties the dustbin contents afterward the robot docks. Simply the difference is Roomba has a bagged system, while Shark utilizes a bagless blueprint.

3. Map saving

Shark and Roomba can save maps – upwardly to i and ten maps, respectively.

Since these variants rely on a camera, yous’ll have to go along the lights on to create the map successfully.

One advantage iRobot has is its mapping run, where the robot runs with the motor off, increasing its range, which is helpful in large homes.

4. Containment

Each has a containment feature with varying terminology.

Shark calls information technology zones, while Roomba has keep-out zones.

Regardless, the functionality is similar: square or rectangular areas blocking the robot from going into them.

You’ll need to create and save the map first to admission this feature.

Differences between the Shark IQ, Roomba I7+, and
Roomba S9+

1. Auto Empty Dock Design

The Roomba I7 and S9 utilize a ramp-fashion base station I like since it offers ameliorate stability.

In comparison, the Shark IQ has a vertical port connecting to the robot’s rear slot.

Consumers will need to buy the SharkMat for rug use to prevent alignment bug.

2. Side brush

Each variant uses a different side brush design.

The
Roomba S9
has a shorter five-prong pattern, while the I7 utilizes the more traditional three-prong brush with more extended tips.

Shark IQ has a single-pronged design, with the slowest rotation of the iii.

Of the three, I like the Roomba’s pattern all-time because of the robot’s shape and side brush placement in front.

It has the most applied design and the best at cleaning edges.

3. Main brush

Roomba
utilizes their patented bristle-less condom counter-rotating extractors for both the I7 and S9.

In comparison, Shark uses a like roller to the Vertex cordless, combining plastic fins and beard.

iv. Dirt storage inside the auto-empty dock

All Roomba products utilize the
same two.5-liter chapters
numberless inside their clean base station.

Shark offers two variants – XL (30-mean solar day capacity) and standard versions (15-24-hour interval capacity) and both have bagless systems.

5. Dirt Discover

Simply iRobot has dirt detect where it does boosted dorsum and forth passes if it detects more debris.

It’s a meaning reason why Roomba products do amend than other brands at cleaning carpeting despite the low airflow.

half-dozen. Efficiency

While these robots have the same navigational sensors, efficiency varies.

I efficiency tests for all three, where I scattered quaker oats all over a small room then checked how long each variant completes ane cleaning cycle.

The Shark IQ is the
about efficient (18 mins), followed by the
I7 (28 mins), then the
S9 (32 mins).

While the Shark IQ and Roomba I7 took less time to terminate, both left considerable amounts of debris.

Factoring in the amount of clay picked up, the S9 is the best, well-nigh picking upwards every crumb later the start laissez passer.

App Features

Both brands have smartphone apps available in your favorite app stores on IOS and Android.

The IQ robot is compatible with the SharkClean app, and
both Roomba variants
are usable with the iRobot Home app.

These apps volition unlock all the advanced features, and I’d recommend you download them.

Please notation that these robots are
only compatible with 2.4G WIFI networks, but not 5G.

1. Map Saving

Perhaps the most critical feature for these robots is map saving, which unlocks a host of other features.

Ane variance is iRobot can
relieve upward to x map levels
– the most out of the robots I’ve reviewed.

In comparison, Shark can but save 1 level, which is disappointing with the compact dock that’s easier to ship.

However, only the iRobot app offers the mapping run, where the robot is on exploratory mode with the sole purpose of creating the map.

The Shark app doesn’t have this feature.

2. Edit Map

After creating the map, users can customize it by setting partitions and naming them.

Merely both apps have different ways of creating these zones. iRobot lets users add horizontal partitions to separate rooms.

A crude method and takes some time to go used to, but information technology does work decently.

Shark offers a more straightforward method – cartoon boxes around zones that wrap around them automatically.

One time these partitions are fix, you can name them. iRobot offers custom room naming, while Shark does non, and consumers can only select from a list.

3. Containment

Another plus for these apps is the availability of containment, which is my preference over old-fashioned magnetic tapes or IR-based invisible walls.

The Shark and iRobot apps permit users to draw boxes that marking areas as off-limit zones, preventing the robot from venturing them.

Here’s Shark’s version.

And here’due south Roomba’s version.

Unfortunately, neither has an invisible wall feature, so it’s simply possible to block square or rectangular zones, but not diagonal areas.

4. Selective room cleaning

Consumers can select specific rooms or areas to make clean with both brands by tapping on the room names.

Shark’south version volition show this window every fourth dimension they tap on this play icon, while you’ll need to tap on the new job push for iRobot on the upper right to access this feature.

v. Make clean zones [Roomba only]

iRobot lets users specify make clean zones where they can depict rectangular or square areas on the map. I believe this characteristic helps target loftier-traffic areas inside larger rooms.

It’s similar to zoned cleaning in brands like Roborock, Dreame, and Yeedi, simply the difference is you lot tin can relieve these zones in the iRobot app.

vii. Evacuate and Resume [Shark only]

Since the Shark IQ doesn’t take any dustbin sensor, they had to implement it to prevent overfilling the robot’southward dustbin.

Shark says it’s helpful inside dirty areas as information technology tells the robot to dock later on xxx-minutes, empty the robot’southward dustbin, and resume cleaning where it left off.

viii. Mapping Runs [Roomba only]

An exploratory run where the robot goes effectually the expanse with the motor close off to maximize coverage.

iRobot added this feature to speed upwardly the map cosmos procedure. One of Roomba’southward weaknesses is its shorter than usual run time.

This feature helps alleviate this effect so that you can unlock the other features sooner.

It’due south essential to proceed the lights and open up all doors for the run to exist successful.

9. Extended Clean [Shark but]

The Shark IQ volition merely get around the area once. To help with thoroughness, Shark adds the extended clean feature, where it uses the remaining battery life to make clean targeted areas continuously.

That’south the theory. I tested this feature and didn’t notice any departure between the default and extended run.

10. Power Settings

Both apps take the option to arrange power levels. The Shark app has three power levels, while the S9 app version has three.

Merely the
Roomba S9
has adaptable power, whereas the I7 doesn’t have this adjustability.

There are 3 tiers for the S9 (bank check screenshot below) –detailed, quiet, and custom.

Detailed clean activates the middle power setting to residual power and run time, while quiet utilizes the eco setting, prioritizing low noise levels.

The custom setting lets users manually select the power level and unlocks the max power setting.

11. Control Number of Passes [Roomba only]

The iRobot app lets users adjust the number of passes – between one and 2, giving it ameliorate thoroughness.

12. Scheduling

These robots also take a scheduling characteristic that amplifies their self-emptying benefit.

The difference is the Shark app has three
separate tabs for the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Unfortunately, it only permits users to cull one scheduled run per day.

Consumers cannot schedule multiple runs per twenty-four hour period, which isn’t the case for the iRobot app.

iRobot can ready multiple runs per day but with a minimum gap of three hours between runs.

And so technically, you can set up to six automated runs per 24-hour interval.

thirteen. History

Lastly, for this section is the history tab, which shows the previous cleaning cycles.

Roomba’s cleaning history tab.

Shark’s version of the history tab.

It acts as an odometer and lets users know how much they’ve used their robots.

Airflow comparison

A critical consideration in selecting a robot vacuum is power. Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t disclose universal power figures, but they don’t, then it is what it is.

I use an anemometer to measure airflow or how much air flows through the main castor to go around this issue.

Here are the results for the three robots.

The

Roomba S9+ has the highest airflow
of the 3 with up to 25 CFM – a significant cistron why it also picked upward the most.

Next in line is the Shark IQ with upward to 18.87 CFM, and Roomba I7 has the everyman airflow at viii.2 CFM.

Cleaning comparison

Next, we’ll await at the cleaning results where I tested each on debris like quaker oats, java grounds, quinoa, pet litter, hair, and sand.

Not surprisingly, the
Roomba S9+ picked up the well-nigh beyond the board and the best at both surface and embedded dirt.

The Roomba I7 was second overall, only slightly worst in hard floor results despite having the least airflow.

Which robot is best on difficult floors?

Over again, the
Roomba S9+ is the all-time of the bunch, with nearly perfect scores on this surface.

Information technology aced the sand on hard floor test at 100%, and the middle test confirms this score as there wasn’t any remainder on the brush assembly.

The Roomba I7 is the side by side best option based on tests, and the Shark IQ was the worst, but the difference isn’t much.

Shark IQ did the worst in the sand on hard floors test.

A barometer I use for these robots is the sand exam because it’s one of the most challenging droppings to pick upwards.

If the robot does well on it, almost likely, it’ll have no problems with other clay types.

Edge cleaning

Again, the
Roomba S9+ is the clear winner here,
thanks to the wide nine″
cleaning path and square forepart.

It picked up the near debris in the fewest passes. The loftier airflow, first-class agitation, and wide extractors are reasons why information technology did very well.

The next best option is the Roomba I7 or I6, merely it left noticeably more than debris.

Lastly, the Shark IQ is the worst, with the irksome rotating brushes not having plenty force funneling debris towards the principal roller.

Pilus wrap comparison

The
Roomba I7 and Shark IQ
had the all-time results with curt five-inch strands, picking up 100% and 99%, respectively.

Here’s how much the Roomba I7 (actually I6) picked up after the 5-inch test.

Shark IQ did slightly worst with a few strands on the brush.

However, the
Roomba S9+, with its broad rollers, did the best,
picking up 82% of seven-inch strands.

I expected more from the Shark IQ since it has
a similar brush roll to the Vertex cordless
(both accept combs higher up the brush for untangling hair).

But the brush whorl doesn’t spin as forcefully every bit its stick vacuum counterpart, and then it bogged down when longer strands wrapped on it.

Which robot is all-time on carpet?

Again, the
Roomba S9+ is the articulate winner hither – both on surface and embedded dirt. It easily picked up the
most embedded sand at 93%
– currently tops of all robot vacuums I’ve tested.

This isn’t a surprise since it has the virtually airflow, widest brush, and excellent agitation.

The adjacent best pick on carpeting is the Roomba I7. While information technology doesn’t match the S9 with airflow, it does take the clay discover feature where the robot does additional passes on dirtier spots.

This feature isn’t available in other brands similar the Shark since it’due south an iRobot patent.

Shark is the worst of the three on surface and deep cleaning simply still decent versus other non-Roomba brands.

Run Time Comparing

Both Roomba products take the
same run time at 75 minutes. The S9 does have a
larger 3300 mAh battery, which is essential since information technology uses a bigger motor.

Shark has the
lowest rated run fourth dimension at 60 minutes
from its 2990 mAh battery.

However, run time shouldn’t be a concern for these robots since all have recharge and resume.

That means if the battery runs depression, these robots volition recharge so proceed cleaning where it left off previously.

Run time will be an issue for people living in large homes. If this is a concern, y'all’ll have to opt for brands similar
Roborock
or
Dreame
that
utilise large 5200 mAh li-ion batteries.

Noise Comparison

1 downside with high airflow is dissonance, which is the example for the
Roomba S9, as it topped the list at 74.one decibels.

Despite doubling the power output, the Shark IQ is the least noisy of the bunch, maxing at 64.viii decibels – a tad flake louder than the Roomba I7+ (64.5 dB).

Maintenance

Upkeep is a critical component of robot vacuum ownership. More so than a stick vacuum since robots are precision machines that rely upon a bevy of sensors to function at their peak.

I’ll share with you which parts to check, clean, and replace below to maximize the life cycle of these machines.

Since you’ll be spending hundreds on these robots, it makes sense to keep them running equally long as possible.

1. 
   Primary brush:
   This is the well-nigh abused component of whatsoever robot vacuum. Information technology’s responsible for picking up debris, and in that location will be accumulation over fourth dimension. Bank check and clean once a week to remove any pilus wrapping (or dirt) on the roller and axles.
2. 
   Side castor:
   Next most battered role is the side brush. Like the chief roller, information technology continually spins to funnel dirt towards the inlet. Hair tends to stick on the multi-pronged brushes’ artillery. There’south besides aggregating on the base. Once again, check at least once a week to articulate the build-up and forestall unnecessary friction.
3. 
   Dustbin and filter:
   The self-emptying feature of these robots means you don’t need to do the task manually. But dirt will accumulate over fourth dimension, and manual cleaning is a must. Fortunately, the dustbins of all 3 are washable, which makes the job simpler. Notwithstanding, the filters are not, then replace these at two or three-month intervals.
4. 
   Motorcar empty dock:
   The task is more straightforward for Roomba products – empty the bag when full and supervene upon it. Shark’s system is bagless, and then you’ll have to dump its contents in a wide trash bin and wash the primary filter if it gets dirty. There’south also a secondary filter underneath that you lot’ll demand to supercede annually. Lastly, keep the ports free from any obstruction.
5. 
   Drop sensors:
   Wipe these sensors at least once a month to prevent an error code from firing and crippling the robot.
6. 
   Robot body:
   Use a make clean, microfiber towel to wipe the whole robot body to clean any fingerprints and grit sticking on the surface.

Availability of Parts

Shark and iRobot are two more popular robot vacuum brands, and parts availability won’t be an outcome.

Roomba has a broader range of options, at least for the I7 since it shares components such every bit I6 and I3.

Yous can buy aftermarket or OEM parts from online stores like Amazon and eBay.

Product Specifications

Where can I buy these robots?

You can go these robots from online stores similar Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• 
  Roomba S9+ on
  Amazon
  (w/ make clean base station)
• 
  Roomba S9
  on
  Amazon
  
• Roomba I7+ on
  Amazon
  (w/ clean base station)
• Roomba I7 on
  Amazon
  
• Roomba I6+ on
  Amazon
  (west/ make clean base station)
• Shark IQ XL Self Empty on
  Amazon
  
• Shark IQ Self Empty (smaller base station) on
  Amazon
  

Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links higher up, but at no actress cost to you, so it’southward a win-win for us!

Which is the best choice, the Shark IQ, Roomba I7+ or
Roomba S9+?

Selecting the all-time pick for your needs will boil down to your preferences and budget.

Folks who don’t mind spending close to $1000 should look at the
Roomba S9+. It’s the best performing Roomba production to date.

Yes, this variant has issues, particularly with run time and some inefficiencies with its navigation, merely information technology makes upwards for information technology by picking upwards the virtually debris per pass.

Consider it if you lot demand something capable of cleaning hard floors and carpets well.

The Roomba I7 is a good middle-ground option. Not every bit costly as the S9+ without sacrificing much with features and cleaning performance. It won’t vacuum as well every bit the S9, only it’s not as expensive.

Shark is the least expensive option, merely with decent enough cleaning performance for the price. The newer version has an optical sensor.

Creating maps shouldn’t exist a problem if you follow the proper procedures.

4 Reasons to cull the
Roomba S9+

1. 
   Best Cleaning Performance:
   The S9+ is by far the best vacuuming robot vacuum I’ve tested.
2. 
   Excellent at border cleaning:
   Changing to a square forepart enables the S9 to exist the best at cleaning edges and corners.
3. 
   Picks upward the about embedded dirt:
   It picked up 93% of embedded sand in the deep cleaning exam – the best score by far versus other brands.
4. 
   Wide cleaning path:
   The broad nozzle makes the S9 the most efficient cleaning robot per pass.

3 Reasons to choose the Roomba I7+

1. 
   Cheaper than the S9+:
   If the S9+ is likewise plush, give the I7+ a shut wait.
2. 
   Above-average at deep cleaning:
   Non every bit good equally the S9+, but the I7+ picked up a decent 82.5%
3. 
   More efficient navigation:
   Information technology was better than the S9 at the efficiency test, finishing 4 minutes faster (28 mins vs. 32 mins).

4 Reasons to cull the Shark IQ

1. 
   Least expensive alternative:
   The Shark IQ is the cheapest option of the three.
2. 
   No demand to purchase bags:
   It utilizes a bagless arrangement, then there’s no need to purchase replacement numberless continually.
3. 
   Not noisy even at max ability:
   Shark did an first-class job muffling noise, keeping it beneath 65 decibels at the max setting.
4. 
   Meaty base station:
   The meaty base of operations station is the easiest of the three to move effectually the house with the handle.

The Verdict: Which is Better, Shark or Roomba?

Tests reveal that the Shark IQ is a decent alternative to the Roomba I7 and S9. It won’t clean as well as the S9, only the difference between the I7 is minimal.

The second-generation IQ addressed the map cosmos problems past calculation an optical sensor.

So this shouldn’t exist a deciding factor.

Although the bagless arrangement saves money, it exposures consumers to grit and tin can be prone to spills if you’re not careful.

The last flaw is it saves simply one map, which defeats the purpose of the compact base of operations station. I hope Shark addresses this in future updates.

Both Roomba options are still better, factoring in cleaning performance, thoroughness, and navigation, simply at the expense of higher toll.

I like the bagged auto empty system because information technology simplifies dirt disposal and eliminates allergen exposure.